However, behind the calm exterior, Matthews was still worried. This witness had to be accepted by the jury. He was arguably the best the Crown had. He had to survive reasonably intact. So far so good. ‘Just keep it going my boy, but watch your back. Don’t be fooled. He’s not done with you yet.’

Muirhead resumed the cross-examination.

‘Why did you make the treble nine call?’

‘I thought something was wrong. It is not usual to see people firing guns in the street – even in Glasgow.’

‘Did you think that someone had been hurt?’

‘I suppose so, yes.’

‘When you made the call, did you ask for the ambulance or the police?’

‘I can’t remember. An ambulance I think.’

‘The treble nine call was tape-recorded, as such things are. Look at production 37. Do you see that that is a transcript of the call?’

‘Yes.’

‘It is clear from that document that you asked for the police.’

‘Yes. I see that. I thought I asked for an ambulance.’

‘When you made the treble nine call you were simply trying to do the right thing?’

‘I saw something serious happen. I decided to call the police. I think that’s perfectly reasonable.’

‘No doubt, but you told the jury you called the ambulance?’

‘I made a mistake. I apologise.’

‘A mistake. I see. Presumably you would call the ambulance if you thought someone was injured and needed medical aid?’

‘Yes.’

‘But according to the transcript you asked for the police. At no time did you mention an ambulance. Did you think that someone had been shot?’

‘Possibly.’

‘Could be badly hurt? Dying?’

‘Possibly.’

‘Did you tell that to the police?’

‘Yes.’

‘Did you?’

‘I believe so.’

‘Look at the transcript. You were put through to the police and you said, “There’s been a shooting in Mitchell Road. This guy just fired a gun.” “Is he still there?” “No, he drove off.” “Has anyone been injured?” “I don’t know.” How does that square with what you told the jury to the effect that you asked for an ambulance and that there was “blood everywhere”?’

‘When I realised that the gun was real, I got a fright. I did not expect to have to remember all the details, months later.’

‘Surely, if you saw blood everywhere, your priority would be an ambulance?’

‘I assumed the police would get an ambulance.’

‘Even although you gave no indication that someone had been injured, badly injured?’

‘Yes.’

‘I see. When did you realise you knew the gunman?’

‘Certainly by the time he got in the car.’

‘By the time he turned away from the BMW?’

‘Maybe.’

‘Not when you first saw him walking towards the BMW?’

‘Not really.’

‘Not really, or not at all?’

‘He looked familiar.’

‘Why didn’t you tell the police that you knew who the gunman was?’

‘They did not ask me.’

‘If we assume you had recognised the gunman, surely you would appreciate this would be information which would be of great interest to the police? Were you asked for your name?’